Families look to pay for medical, day care expenses

Published 7:34 pm, Thursday, December 18, 2014

The Giving Fund is a tradition now in its 31st year at The Advocate and Greenwich Time, in conjunction with Person-to-Person and Family Centers. It provides a chance for the community to help those in need this holiday season. The newspapers will publish the cases in print Thursdays and Sundays until the beginning of January and maintain a full list online. Find the list here: stamfordadvocate.com/givingfund

32. Astrid is a 17-year-old young mom, who is finishing high school and working at the same time so she can cover some of the expenses that she has for her baby. She is a wonderful mom who is trying her best in school so she can graduate and attend college. A donation of $500 will be appreciated to help pay the rent and the daycare fees.

33. Genesis is a young 18-year-old single mom who has started working part time. She has to take two buses very early so she can get to her job. She hasn't been able to find a full-time job, but she is looking for one. She is also studying at night so she can get her GED. She is studying to improve herself and to give a better life to her 1-year-old son. She is an amazing mom who does her best for her son. She still needs some help so she can pay her expenses. A donation of $500 will be appreciated.

34. Marcia is a young single mom trying very hard in life. She is raising her son on her own and she is providing the best that she can. She has to take the bus or walk in order for her to bring the baby to the daycare or to work. She is getting therapy since she suffered domestic violence with the father of the baby. As much as she works she still needs help on paying daycare expenses and rent. A donation of $500 will be appreciated to alleviate her financial difficulties.

35. Beverly is a young single mom who is desperately looking for a job. She has a two-month-old baby boy, who she is trying to support. She has no family and she is trying to meet her son's needs the best she can. She is struggling to pay the rent most of all. A donation of $500 will be appreciated to help her pay the rent so she can living at the place where she is at.

36. Amy's two-year old, Paige, has always been on the small side. However, her doctor is concerned about Paige's weight and recommended Amy enroll in the meal program at Paige's preschool. With the balanced food choices, the doctor thinks it might help Paige get the proper nutrition she needs. Since she's on a fixed income, Amy cannot afford the extra expense. A gift of $700 would allow Amy to sign up for the meal plan for the rest of the school year, and ensure Paige receives the nutrition she needs.

37. Nicole is a high school senior who struggles with depression and anxiety. She lives with her mother and 5-year-old sister in a two-bedroom apartment. In addition to balancing schoolwork, Nicole is responsible for picking up her sister from day care each afternoon because her mother works at McDonald's and then goes to another job after that. Financial burdens are so great that the stress in the home feels overwhelming. A gift of $500 would go a long way in easing the stress in this family's life.

38. Pam has a 1-year-old son with a serious medical condition. Although the family is insured, the co-payments and non-covered services are very expensive. Pam has attempted to apply for financial assistance and other programs, but they have been determined ineligible. A gift of $800 will enable Pam's family to help pay for treatment that their son needs in order to have any hope of walking one day.

39. Jennifer is a single mother of three children, ages 6, 4 and 8 months old. She is currently unemployed and is behind on several of her bills, including her utility bill and her car insurance bill. She lost her job over the summer and has been struggling to make ends meet ever since. She wishes to return to work and maybe even further her education once her youngest son gets a little bit older. A gift of $800 would help get this family back on its feet.

40. Chris currently lives with his two children and his wife. He only works part time, but spends the rest of his free time looking for full-time employment to no avail. The financial strain is hurting his relationship with his wife and his children, who are completely dependent on him. His wife is unable to work due to severe medical issues and looks to Chris as the sole provider for their family. The family is currently behind on their rent and they are facing possible eviction. The dual stress of being unable to provide for his family and the threat of eviction is wearing on Chris, although he remains positive and hopeful that things will soon turn around. A gift of $500 will help in paying a portion of his back rent as well as giving him the hope to continue his search for full-time employment.